Serena Williams to play Brisbane International

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Serena Williams has confirmed she will play in the Brisbane International tuneup event before next year's Australian Open.

Andy Wong

Serena Williams of the U.S. eyes on the ball as she plays against Francesca Schiavone of Italy during their second round match of the China Open tennis tournament at the National Tennis Stadium in Beijing, China Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Serena Williams of the U.S. eyes on the ball as she plays against Francesca Schiavone of Italy during their second round match of the China Open tennis tournament at the National Tennis Stadium in Beijing, China Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Serena Williams of U.S. returns a shot to Francesca Schiavone of Italy during the second round of the China Open tennis tournament at the National Tennis Stadium in Beijing, China Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Brisbane tournament officials said Wednesday that Williams, the defending champion, and Australian Lleyton Hewitt would join the previously announced Roger Federer at the hard-court tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre from Dec. 29-Jan. 5.

The Australian Open, which Williams has won five times, begins Jan. 13 at Melbourne Park. Williams, the world No. 1, will be attempting to win her 18th Grand Slam singles title.

Williams won nine WTA titles this year, including her fifth U.S. Open title and second at the French Open.

Hewitt recently led Australia back into the Davis Cup's elite World Group after a six-year absence. He also reached the round of 16 at the U.S. Open.